Grace Talk, May 2011 (with correct link to article by Pastor Dobbs)

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In This Issue

FOUNDATIONS and Crown College

Financial Update

Children and Students

An Elder's Perspective

Livin' the Cause

Praise Briefs

EASTER WEEKEND

Good Friday

- 2,300 people attended the evening worship service

- 1,955 received communion, a 94.7% increase over last year

Saturday morning
Arise With The Guys

- 2,403 men attended

- 122 indicated decisions for Christ

EASTER SUNDAY

- 5,732 people attended worship services, a 10.2% increase over last year

- 11 people were baptized during three worship services

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More than 200 Junior and Senior High Students attended a Dodge Hunger dodgeball tournament at Eden Prairie High School on Friday, April 29 to raise proceeds and food donations for the PROP food shelf.

- Ben Wahlquist and Dan Molenaar shared their faith stories with their peers

- Two overflowing carts of food were collected

News Briefs

Funshine Preschool
is now accepting registrations for its 2011-2012 school year. More info: Contact Deb at dcrumrine@atgrace.com or 952-224-3069.

Building FUN Facts

-There are 15,200 yards of concrete throughout the church, enough to fill 13,000 pickup truck beds.

- The structure was constructed with 2670 tons of steel, equivalent to the weight of 660 African Elephants.

- Count 'em, there are 1620 stair steps in the church. If stacked as one staircase, they would extend 945 feet high, 170 feet above the top of the IDS Building in downtown Minneapolis.

- The building has 853 doors and 3356 door hinge units.

Our Daily Bread Devotionals

Year-Round Bible Reading Schedule

Grace Pastors' Suggested Reading list

Summer 2011 Ministry Guide

This Love Doesn't Win

By Troy Dobbs, Senior Pastor

The book, Love Wins by Rob Bell fails to hold up under scrutiny when discernment of the Scriptures is missing. Read my review, This Love Doesn't Win.

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Peru City Image

If Jesus called you to pray for a short term missionary, provide financial support for them, or even to go yourself, how would you answer? Find out how Grace Church is preparing to join our sister-church in Callao Peru and how it relates to the return of Jesus Christ. Read About Peru.

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Men Score High Marks

By Pastor Mac Threinen

How much of an impact can one man make in the lives of his family, his friends, and people who know him? More than you might think. Read The Power of One.

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The Story of My Life

By Sue Raia
Where "self-help" books fail, God's promises prevail. We all have stories that can be used to open doors for sharing God's message. Read how the Women's and Missions Departments have teamed up to help you use My Story.

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The Hound of Heaven

By Associate Pastor Patrick Gilbert

While I was pursuing a career in finance and accounting, I didn't credit God for profiting my life. That was before I realized How the Hound of Heaven Tracked Me Down.

Kairos India Trip

By Pastor Clark Crebar

Typical Americans in India, hoping to make a difference, find out how mightily God uses us for His purposes. Read about our India Mission Trip.

Born to Reproduce

By Pastor Dean Morin

Do the math. When we follow the directive Christ gave us to reproduce ourselves, amazing results can occur. Read the 2:7 Discipleship story, and find out how you are Born to Reproduce.

FOUNDATIONS for Adults Rob Wassenaar

By Pastor Rob Wassenaar

Can you explain core doctrines of biblical Christianity to others? Our Foundations classes offer the chance to grow deeper in your knowledge and understanding of the Bible. Learn about FOUNDATIONS.

Crown College Partnership

By Pastor Rob Wassenaar

Our long-standing relationship with Crown College has opened new opportunities for us to work together. Read about our Partnership With Crown College.

Financial Update Jeff Kornoelje

By Pastor Jeff Kornoelje

Modern trends are starting to impact church giving. Find out what that means for Grace Church. Read A Change in Payment.

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Vacation Bible School

Untamed Territory - The Road to Cimmaron Cacti McGruber
Sign up to attend Vacation Bible School, Mon. - Fri., June 20 - 24 at VBS. Five full mornings filled with the kinds of activities kids love, and a Friday evening drama.

Student Ministries Update

JAM Packed Summer Fun with Pastor Travis Armstrong Plan to attend Jam Camp, June 26 - July 1 at Camp Shetek in southwest Minnesota. This is one summer camp you won't want to miss.

Pastor Jason Barthelemy talks about
The Greatest Influence on Students, which may come from places you didn't expect. Find out how students respond when given the challenge to share the Gospel.

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An Elder's Perspective Mike Pagh

By Mike Pagh, Elder Board Chairman

Jesus gave us a real-life example of the effectiveness of life-on-life discipleship. Read An Elder's Perspective.

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Missions Department

We are called to make disciples across the street and around the world. This is The CAUSE.